Suspended tool apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

The Suspended Tool Apparatus and Method is comprised of affixing a hook affixed to an overhead structure. A cord has a cord first end and a cord second end. At each of the cord first end and cord second end, forming a loop which is secured by a ferrule. The loop at the cord first end is received by the hook affixed to the overhead structure. The loop at the cord second end is received by a loop at the handle of a salad tong or tool. The cord and tool are easily removed for cleaning. The cord is elastic or inelastic.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the suspension of tools above a work station or above the salad products beneath a sneeze guard. This invention relates in particular to the method of providing salad tongs and tools under a sneeze guard such that the tongs and tools do not rest with the handles in contact with the salad makings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need to keep handles of salad tongs and related tools away from salad contents is known. Devices and apparatuses pertaining to means of keeping handles away from salad materials are seen in the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,977 to Sacks et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,921 to Gameau, Sr.

The patents referred to herein are provided herewith in an Information Disclosure Statement in accordance with 37 CFR 1.97.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Suspended Tool Apparatus and Method (1) disclosed and claimed herein comprises affixing an attachment means (110) to an overhead structure (22). A cord (120) is affixed by cord attachment means (112), at a cord first end (122), to the attachment means (110) at the overhead structure (22). The cord (120) is affixed by cord attachment means (112), at a cord second end (124), to a tool (140). The cord (120) has a length (150) less than the distance from the overhead structure (22) to a salad makings (40). The cord (120) is elastic or has spring characteristics such that the tool (140), following use, will not contact the salad makings (40).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a depiction of a salad bar (1) having a sneeze guard (20). Illustrated is an overhead structure (22), miscellaneous salad bar (1) sneeze guard supports (26), a table (32) containing salad makings (40). The table having legs (36). Suspended tool apparatus (100) are affixed by attachment means (110) to the overhead structure (22) via cords (120) to which are attached tools (140).

FIG. 2 is a depiction of a workshop (1) having an overhead structure (22). Suspended tool apparatus (100) are affixed by attachment means (110) to the overhead structure (220) via cords (120) to which are attached tools (140).

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 depict details of the apparatus (100) showing an overhead structure (22) from which is suspended a suspended tool apparatus (100) which is affixed by attachment means (110) to the overhead structure (22) via cords (120) to which is attached a salad tong (140).

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 depict details of an alternative attachment means (110) shown as a retractable cord (120) extending through a retractable cord aperture (115) with a cord loop (110) formed at the cord first end (122). FIG. 6 is a section 6-6 from FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate the suspended tool apparatus and method. FIG. 1 and 3 illustrate the device relative to a salad bar (1). FIG. 2 and 4 illustrate relative to a workshop (1). An overhead structure (22), shown as the apex of a sneeze guard (20) or a beam in a workshop, is the uppermost component of a covered salad bar (1). The sneeze guard (20) has sides (24) which are supported relative to a table by downwardly directed sneeze guard supports (26) which rest on and are fixed to a table (32). The table (32), in the salad bar (1) configuration, contains salad makings (40). The table (32) has table support means comprising, generally, downwardly directed legs (36). At least one suspended tool apparatus (100) is affixed by attachment means (110) to the overhead structure (22) via cords (120) to which are attached tools (140), comprised in the salad bar (1) application, of salad tongs (140), spoons and other kitchen utensils.

FIG. 3 shows the suspended tool apparatus (100). An attachment means (110), generally a hook including, for example a hook (110) with a screw and shaft or bolt and nut with a shaft is attached to an overhead structure (22). Also seen in FIG. 4 is an adhesive means (23) securing a hook (110) wherein the adhesive means (23) is generally rectangular and planar and the hook (110) and the planar portion formed by molding means or the equivalent. Seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is an alternative attachment means (110) illustrated as a retractable cord (120) having a spring means to retract the cord (120) after it had been extended and released. Illustrated is a loop (110) formed at the cord (120) at the cord first end (122). The spring means and cord will generally be retractably secured to a shaft or axle (114) shown. Those of ordinary skill in hoop arts will appreciate that eyes, hooks, hooks with clasps and other hook or eye devices will be equivalent. A cord (120) has a cord first end (122) and a cord second end (124). The cord first end (122) is formed into a loop which is secured by a ferrule (112). The loop is received by the hook (110) thereby suspending the cord (120) from the hook (110). The cord (120) is, in the preferred embodiment, elastic. The cord second end (124) is formed into a loop which is secured by a ferule (112) to be received by a loop at the handle end (142) of a salad tong (140). In the preferred embodiment the cord (120) and salad tong (140) are easily removed for washing. The cord (120) has a cord length (150) which, when combined with the length of a salad tong (140), will not allow the handle end (142) to rest in the salad makings (40) when the suspended tool apparatus (100) is not being handled by a customer.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of a workshop (1) having a suspended tool apparatus (100). In the workshop (1) at least one suspended tool apparatus (100) is affixed by attachment means (110) to the overhead structure (22) via cords (120) to which are attached tools (140).

FIG. 4 shows the workshop suspended tool apparatus (100). An attachment means (110), generally a hook including, for example a hook (110) with a screw or bolt and nut shaft is attached to an overhead structure (22). Those of ordinary skill in hoop arts will appreciate that eyes, hooks, hooks with clasps and other hook or eye devices will be equivalent. A cord (120) has a cord first end (122) and a cord second end (124). The cord first end (122) is formed into a loop which is secured by a ferrule (112). The loop is received by the hook (110) thereby suspending the cord (120) from the hook (110). The cord (120) is, in the preferred embodiment, elastic. In alternative embodiments the cord (120) may be a chain or cable. The cord second end (124) is formed into a loop which is secured by a ferrule (112) to be received by a loop at the handle end (142) of a tool (140). In the preferred embodiment the cord (120) and tool (140) are easily removed for cleaning. The cord (120) has a cord length (150) which, when combined with the length of a tool (140), will not allow the handle end (142) or the tool (140) to rest in the working space, for example in an automotive engine (400) when the tool (140) is not being handled by a mechanic or shop worker. 

1. The method of suspending a tool apparatus comprising: a. affixing to an overhead structure (22) at least one attachment means (110); b. forming a loop in a cord (120) at a cord first end (122) and securing the loop with a ferule (112); c. securing the cord first end (122) at the loop to the attachment means (110) thereby suspending the cord (120) from the attachment means (110); d. forming a loop in the cord (120) at a cord second end (124) and securing the loop with a ferrule (112); e. securing the cord second end (124) at the loop to a loop at a handle end (142) of a salad tong (140) or a tool (140).
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: a. limiting the cord (120) to a cord length (150) which, when combined with the length of the salad tong (140), will not allow a handle end (142) of the salad tong (140) to rest in salad makings (40) when the suspended tool apparatus (100) is not being handled by a customer.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising: a. forming the cord (120) of an elastic material.
 4. The method of claim 2 further comprising: a. forming the cord (120) of an inelastic material. 